Fans proclaim they're proud of Crimson Tide’s progress

By Wayne Grayson, Staff Writer

Saturday

Mar 17, 2012 at 12:01 AM

TUSCALOOSA | Although the University of Alabama lost a 58-57 heartbreaker to Creighton in the opening round of the 2012 NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Friday, Crimson Tide fans who gathered to watch the game in the city’s bars and restaurants said they were proud their team reached March Madness.

TUSCALOOSA | Although the University of Alabama lost a 58-57 heartbreaker to Creighton in the opening round of the 2012 NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Friday, Crimson Tide fans who gathered to watch the game in the city’s bars and restaurants said they were proud their team reached March Madness.Just before tip-off of the Tide’s first tournament appearance since 2006, the crowd at Buffalo Wild Wings was pretty sparse. The bar area was nearly empty save for friends Tyler Riehl, Scott Giles and Daniel Sellers, wearing their crimson and white.“Yeah we expected a little bit bigger of a crowd,” said Giles, 23. “I think spring break killed a lot of that, though,” added Riehl, 21.Giles said he thought the Tide’s aggressive defense stacked up pretty well with the Blue Jays’ high-powered offense.“As long as we keep the three-pointer in check and Bama plays smooth, we have a great chance,” he said.All three said they were proud of the progress the Tide has made under third-year head coach Anthony Grant.“We got (to the tournament) this year with just one senior and five freshmen,” said Sellers, adding that the future is bright for the Tide no matter the outcome of Friday’s game, thanks to Grant’s recruiting successes.“It kind of reminds me a bit of (UA head football coach Nick) Saban’s progress, once he got some of his own talent in there,” Riehl said.Laurie Burney settled in at Buffalo Wild Wings to cheer on the Tide as well. Burney made the drive from Waco, Texas, to visit UA student Josh McWhorter, 20, during spring break.“I remember the days when Wimp Sanderson was coaching at Bama,” Burney said. “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a coach that fits Alabama better than Anthony Grant.”When asked what about Grant’s coaching style made him the perfect fit for the Alabama program, McWhorter said, “Defense and discipline.”At halftime, with the Tide up seven points, patrons of Wilhagans Sports Grille were in good, but tempered spirits.BJ Stakem said he was confident that Alabama could win against Creighton, but wasn’t as confident should the Tide have won and faced North Carolina.“UNC is a buzzsaw to everyone they play,” he said.Tide fan Glenn Dodd said much of the same. He said while the Tide’s defense always keeps them competitive, the Tar Heels would likely prove too much to overcome.“If we win this one, I would be hopeful against UNC. Optimistic maybe,” he said. “I just know how good UNC is.”Unfortunately for Tide fans, it will be Creighton that gets to test Stakem and Dodd’s theory.

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